Cairns and Port Douglas

Overview

Need some "you time"? This is where to head. In fact, why not make a long weekend of it, with the sun shining, Mondays always look better from here.

Cairns is the major jumping-off point for the extraordinary Great Barrier Reef, the lush Daintree Rainforest and slow road trips through the beautiful countryside of the Atherton Tablelands. The food is great too, with some of the country's finest chefs setting up five star restaurants in the luxe outpost of Port Douglas.

Paradise through your lensParadise Through Your Lens invited passionate travellers who love to document their travels to visit Tropical North Queensland to capture paradise through their own lens. Ten travellers produced stories about the Great Barrier Reef, nature, the rainforest and wildlife, outdoor adventure, off road exploring and Indigenous culture. The highlights of their footage has been used to create this trailer.

Flights to Cairns

Don't miss

Most visitors use Cairns as a base from which to plan their itinerary. There is a variety of great things to see and do.

Where to go

You'll fly into Cairns Airport ten minutes from the CBD. Make this your hub for exploring the tropics and reef. Alternatively by car 25 minutes north of Cairns is Palm Cove, an hour is Port Douglas and two and a half hours is the Daintree.

Mossman Gorge

Part of the Daintree Rainforest and located 20km north of Port Douglas, Mossman GorgeOpens external site is one of the region's star attractions. The new Mossman Gorge Centre, an indigenous eco-tourism experience where local Aboriginal guides give visitors a genuine, authentic and unique insight into the local area. Relax afterwards in one of Mossman's historic pubs.

Cape Tribulation

You'll need a 4WD to get around some parts of Cape TribulationOpens external site in a new window, a world heritage listed national park, accessible by ferry but it's worth the trip. Enjoy empty Robinson-Crusoe style beaches, pristine bushwalking tracks through the rainforest and one of Australia's richest diversity of flora and fauna.

Quick facts

Currency

Australian Dollar (AU$)

Electricity

220-240V / 50 Hz

Population

142,000

Seasons

There are two distinct weather seasons Cairns experiences each year like the rest of Queensland. Winter falls between April and September, with slightly cooler but warm temperatures and minimal rain. Summer is October to March with hot, sticky temperatures and heavy rainfall periods.

Around town

Getting around Cairns CBD is best done on foot. To get to surrounding areas it is best in your (hire) car as it gives you freedom to get out and explore the surrounding area and enjoy the best of the region. Alternatively the local public transport SunbusOpens external site in a new window is great to get to most surrounding areas in Cairns and the beaches.

Cairns car hire

Take off from Cairns in your own car and visit Mossman Gorge, Cape Tribulation and the luxe beach destination of Port Douglas. Qantas Points^ per A$1 spent on the Base Rate within Australia.

Other destinations

Hamilton Island

Brisbane

Mackay

Important Information

Disclaimer: ^ You must be a member of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program to earn and redeem Qantas Points. A joining fee may apply. Membership and Qantas Points are subject to the Qantas Frequent Flyer program terms and conditions.

** Prices are per room, per night and vary depending on date of check in, length of stay and room type. Conditions apply.